.30 RCBS mould suggestions, please...

[Typecaster]

I'm new to casting for .30 cal. rifles, so would appreciate any suggestions for first moulds. I'll be loading for .308 Win., 30-40 Krag, and 30-06. I currently have a Lyman 311291 and a Cramer #43 (191 gr.).

I'm partial to RCBS moulds lately, and am a little puzzled about the difference between the traditional FN style and the SIL. Would the 165-gr. SIL be a good all-around choice for target and plinking (especially in the Krag)?

Thanks,

Richard

[Calamity Jake]

I had a 30-165-SIL, it cast to small(.298X.309) I sent it back, RCBS replaced it with the same, it cast small too. The second trip back I requested a trade for 30-180-SP, they sent it, it casts
.301X.313, I haven't time to shoot any but I think I will like it.

I can send samples if you want some.

Don't overlook the Saeco moulds, they cost a little more, but there goodens.

The flat nose was designed for the tube feed guns, but they shoot good in bolts too.

[runfiverun]

i use the 165 silhouette in the 308,7.5x55, and krag.....
they come out 301x310 with my mix.. 4sn 6 sb. rcbs uses 10%sn and 90% pb
for their boolit sizes.
btw i use this 4/6 mix in my 7mm rcbs and it comes out at 281x286.
both of these will shoot real nice from 1600 to 2150 with gooood accuracy.
and no drama in the lube area.

you will want to know your krag bore size some of them are a bit big.

[26Charlie]

The 311291 will do all you need there - I don't know what the Cramer looks like.

For small game & training of new shooters get a 311008 115 gr FNPB from Lyman, for use with the 5 to 7 gr. of Bullseye, 231, Red Dot or other fast powder.

If you really want a heavy bullet, Lyman 311284, 311335, or SAECO 301 are good.

The reality is that you pick up moulds catch-as-catch-can, and try out "special purpose" loads. I've got a .30-30 load of RCBS 32-98-FP with 3.3 gr. Red Dot, specially developed this past winter to shoot red squirrels from my back porch when the neighbors are not home. I haven't shot one yet, but I have the targets fired into a snow backstop to prove it works, and 30 rounds ready to go in case of need.

See how it goes?

[Newtire]

My vote is for the .30 165 silhouette.

Another one I have been having great success with is the RCBS 130 gr. spire point. Don't hear too much about it but it really shoots in .30-06 with 18 grains of SR4759.

[Newtire]

[quote=26Charlie;347532]I've got a .30-30 load of RCBS 32-98-FP with 3.3 gr. Red Dot, specially developed this past winter to shoot red squirrels from my back porch when the neighbors are not home. quote]

That sounds like a load to try out Charlie! I had no idea you could go that low with RedDot but will drop down that direction & see what happens. So many loads, so few weekends!

I have been working with Red Dot these last few months in .30-30. I went from 7.5 gr. up to 9.0 grains using a plainbase group buy 120 grain flatpoint and a Saeco #322 using large pistol primers.

Are you using any filler? Also, which kind of Primers?

[Frank46]

Just a suggestion. When you have slugged the bore of your krag and find that its over the standard 300-308 dimensions try lyman's 314299. Nominally casts 304 on the bore riding section and 314 on the body section. Or for another heavy boolit try lyman's 311284 which was if I'm not mistaken for the krag. Frank

[Typecaster]

Frank46 and runfiverun, I should have mentioned that the Krag is a beautiful Ruger #3. I'll slug the barrel anyway, but it shouldn't have an oversize military barrel.

Richard

[runfiverun]

the 165 up to 2100 should get you what you want then.
i get @ 2" groups with open sights in 7.5 and @ 1" with cheesy scope in 308.
the 7.5 with h-322 and a filler and imr 4895 with filler in the 308.
and alternate these same loads in the krag depending on what is in the dispenser when i need to load the krag.
the 165 weighs more like 175 in my mix.